Latest news with #KingFahdCausewayAuthority
Saudi Gazette
6 days ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Eastern Province Emir hails efforts to enhance passenger experience at causeway
Saudi Gazette report DHAHRAN — The King Fahd Causeway, the strategic 25-kilometer bridge linking Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, has witnessed a historic surge in traffic, with over 33 million passengers recorded travelling in both directions throughout 2024 — marking the highest figures since the crossing opened nearly four decades ago. The milestone was highlighted during a briefing attended by Prince Saud bin Naif, emir of Eastern Province, who praised the tireless efforts of all teams working on the causeway. The emir commended both Saudi and Bahraini authorities, as well as the private sector partners, for their contributions in improving operational efficiency and elevating the travel experience. In a briefing, Prince Saud underscored the causeway's pivotal role in strengthening economic, social, and tourism ties between the two Gulf neighbours. He also noted the bridge's significance as a vital artery that continues to support regional connectivity and mutual prosperity. The King Fahd Causeway Authority reported that the introduction of advanced digital systems has drastically cut wait times. The E-JESR electronic platform, which enables pre-payment of toll fees, now processes more than half of all transactions. As a result, the average toll crossing time has dropped from 15 seconds to just 3 seconds, reducing peak travel time across the causeway to around 21 minutes. Traffic on the causeway traditionally spikes during summer vacations and festive periods such as Eid, underscoring its status as a key gateway for tourism and family visits. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to implementing more smart solutions aimed at enhancing safety, efficiency, and traveller convenience in the years ahead.
Gulf Insider
12-04-2025
- Automotive
- Gulf Insider
More Facilities to Expedite Travel Across King Fahd Causeway
As part of new facilities to cut travel time across the King Fahd Causeway linking Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, the operator of the vital bridge has introduced a trial fast-track measure based on the utilization of smart cameras, a Saudi media report has said. The experiment, conducted for two hours per day, uses cameras at the customs gates on the Saudi side for self-clearing, leading to passport control offices, reported Okaz newspaper. Data and vehicle information will then be verified to facilitate procedures for travellers at the stopping points. The procedure ensures a single point for cars bearing Saudi licence plates. Should the experiment prove successful, it would be applied to all vehicles. Last month, the King Fahd Causeway Authority introduced the 'Jesr Plus' track, designated for faster passage procedures and fewer stops. Passengers can book their crossing times and pay for the new path through the Jesr app. Passengers can cross within one hour of the time they specify in the app. The service allows a limited number of cars per hour to ensure smooth traffic. The crossing gates have been equipped with smart cameras and linked to the Jesr app to read the licence plates and facilitate automatic crossing. The latest facilities aim to raise the capacity of the procedure zones on the causeway to nearly 2,500 vehicles per hour. Inaugurated in 1986, the 25km-long bridge usually sees heavy traffic during the summer holiday and the Muslim feasts of Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. The causeway is also of economic importance for both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, particularly for their tourism and logistics sectors.
